CN117835886A - Machine for cleaning and sanitizing - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine (10) for cleaning and sanitizing, comprising a hydraulic circuit (20) comprising a first branch (21), a second branch (22) and a third branch (23); a pump (13) that introduces water into the hydraulic circuit (20) at a predetermined pressure; a first three-way hydraulic fitting (31, 36) comprising an inlet (311) in flow communication with the pump (13), a first outlet (321) connected in flow communication with the first branch (21), and a second outlet (322) connected in flow communication with the second branch (22); a detergent sprayer (15) introducing detergent into the first branch (21) of the hydraulic circuit (20), wherein the detergent sprayer (15) is mounted in flow communication with the first branch (21), wherein the detergent sprayer (15) comprises a first inlet (151) connected in flow communication with the first outlet (321) of the first three-way hydraulic fitting (31, 36), a second inlet (152) connected in flow communication with a detergent tank (14) containing the detergent, an outlet (153), a mixing chamber (158) in flow communication with the first inlet (151), the second inlet (152), the outlet (153) of the detergent sprayer (15), wherein the mixing chamber (158) is adapted to mix the water and the detergent; a second three-way fitting (32) comprising a first inlet (326) mounted in flow communication with the outlet (153) of the detergent sprayer (15), a second inlet (327) mounted in flow communication with the third branch (23), an outlet (328), a mixing chamber in flow communication with the first inlet (326), the second inlet (327) and the outlet (328) of the second three-way fitting (32); at least one air compressor (11) in flow communication with the third branch (23); a fourth three-way fitting (34, 37) comprising a first inlet (341) connected in flow communication with the outlet (328) of the second three-way fitting (32), a second inlet (342) connected with the second outlet (322) of the first three-way fitting (31, 36), an outlet (343) connected to the first outlet (53) of the machine (10); wherein the first outlet (53) of the machine (10) is adapted to mount a foam or rinse water dispenser (50), the dispenser (50) being adapted to discharge foam from the first branch (21) or water from the second branch (22); a flow selector (344, 364) adapted to divert foam from the first branch (21) or water from the second branch (22) to the first outlet (53) of the machine (10).

Description

Machine for cleaning and sanitizing

The present invention relates to a machine for cleaning and sanitizing.

In the prior art, machines are known which can produce cleaning foam which is sprayed onto a surface. Some of which are internally equipped with air compressors for generating compressed air for proper mixing with water and solutions of chemical products. The use of compressed air at a suitable pressure helps to produce a foam having a desired density and compactness.

The density of the foam produced by these machines depends on several factors, including the liquid solution used (composed of properly mixed water and chemical products), the pressure and flow rate of the compressed air, and the type of spray attachment used by the machine.

By spraying foam of a suitable density, it is advantageously possible to act on textile surfaces (e.g. upholstered fabric or carpeting) or hard surfaces (e.g. walls, sanitary fittings, furniture and other surfaces). The optimal density of the foam is such that it can act on the cushion fabric without penetrating deep too quickly. Alternatively, it may act on vertical surfaces (e.g., curtains, upholstery and textile walls) without falling quickly onto the floor.

Some machines are equipped with the option of rinsing the surface after foaming, which has the advantage of completely removing the foam remaining on the surface and the dirt itself.

Finally, the same machine may be equipped with a suction system, which allows to recover the liquids from the treated surface or floor, keeping them dry after operation.

In order to achieve the optimum foam density to act on the upholstered fabric or hard surface, these machines use an air compressor to mix the liquid required to generate the foam with compressed air.

Other components are also provided in these machines, such as a hydraulic pump and a suitable mixing circuit, the purpose of which is to push the liquid solution along the hydraulic circuit and mix it suitably with the compressed air.

Some machines are equipped with suction motors and suitable circuits and accessories to suck the liquid into the recovery tank.

These machines are suitable for "thorough" cleaning and disinfection, the frequency being determined by the user's needs and also by the degree of soil to be removed. In some cases, room disinfection is required more frequently to keep the room clean.

There are machines specially adapted for this purpose which are capable of disinfecting a room by spraying a disinfecting chemical product so as to slightly wet the already clean surface. The amount of liquid that these machines atomize is the amount strictly necessary to disinfect an already cleaned environment and is therefore much less than is required when cleaning dirty surfaces as well.

Disadvantageously, this requires two different machines, one for treating dirty surfaces and the other for rapidly disinfecting surfaces that have been cleaned. The user has to purchase and use two different machines, which has the disadvantages of high cost, large space and difficult transportation.

EP 1915941 A2 of the applicant describes a machine for cleaning and sanitizing comprising a hydraulic circuit comprising a first branch, a second branch and a third branch; a pump for introducing water into the hydraulic circuit at a predetermined pressure; a first three-way hydraulic connection comprising an inlet connected in flow communication with the pump, a first outlet connected in flow communication with the first branch, and a second outlet connected in flow communication with the second branch; a detergent sprayer introducing detergent into a first leg of the circuit, wherein the detergent sprayer is mounted in flow communication with the first leg.

Applicant's IT MI20090487 A1 also describes a spraying and suction machine similar to EP 1915941 A2.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a single machine for cleaning and sanitizing that is capable of cleaning any type of surface by spraying a cleaning foam, and if desired, rinsing the surface, and of quickly sanitizing surfaces and rooms by fine atomization of the sanitizing chemical product.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a machine for cleaning and sanitizing according to claim 1.

Further features are provided in the dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, which is to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cleaning and sanitizing machine according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cleaner injector;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a machine according to a first alternative;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a machine according to a second alternative;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a machine including a liquid suction device;

fig. 6 shows a schematic view of an assembly of a second dispenser and a machine for nebulising a sterilising product according to a first alternative;

fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a second dispenser and machine assembly for nebulised sterilizing product according to a second alternative;

fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a third alternative assembly of a second dispenser and a machine for nebulizing a disinfectant product, wherein a tank of the disinfectant product is mounted on the body of the machine.

Referring to the above figures, a machine 10 for cleaning and sanitizing, hereinafter machine 10, is shown.

The machine 10 according to the present disclosure is advantageously capable of cleaning and sanitizing various types of environments, such as toilet facility surfaces, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, offices, hotels, restaurants, workplaces, swimming pools, sports centers, and many other environments where public land is open.

The machine 10 advantageously cleans various types of surfaces by spraying detergent foam, possibly rinsing the surfaces and sucking out liquid residues, and is able to disinfect surfaces and rooms by dispensing a mixture of air and disinfection chemical products, wherein the mixture consists of very fine liquid particles.

The surface to be cleaned may be a hard surface (e.g., floor, wall, sanitary fitting, furniture) or a textile surface (e.g., carpeting, upholstery, and various textiles).

The machine 10 sprays a mixture of air and chemical product, which when atomized into very fine particles, may be in the form of a dry sanitizing mist with advantageous properties.

Dry mist sterilization can be performed by spraying a sterilizing product into the enclosed space such that the sterilizing mist fills the space and acts after a suitable contact time; the disinfectant can be directly sprayed on the surface, so that the disinfectant is distributed on the surface in a very thin layer form and uniformly covers the surface.

The cleaning machine 10 has the advantage that both cleaning and sanitizing operations can be performed using the same machine 10, with obvious advantages to the user in terms of cost, practicality and smaller size.

Furthermore, if desired, both operations can be performed very simply, immediately switching from one operation to the other.

Cleaning of the surface is performed by machine 10 by foaming the surface with a cleaner foam and then rinsing the surface with only fresh water.

Rinsing the surface is advantageously useful because it enables complete and rapid removal of residues of the chemical product of the mixture, which residues may remain on the surface after washing with the foam of the mixture.

Advantageously, the present machine 10 allows a user to perform two functions using a single machine 10 without having to purchase two specific machines for two different processes, thereby saving money and space.

The preferred embodiment of the machine 10 also allows for the aspiration of liquid from a surface (e.g., floor) after the rinsing step.

Machine 10 includes a body 19, at least one air compressor 11, and air compressor 11 is preferably disposed within body 19 of machine 10.

Preferably, the body 19 of the machine 10 is a load bearing structure including moving wheels and even more preferably including handles and/or grips for movement.

The compressor 11 is used for both the cleaning operation of the machine 10, in which the machine 10 sprays foam, and the sanitizing operation of the machine 10, in which the machine 10 dispenses the sanitizing mixture in the form of a mist into a surface or room.

The machine 10 comprises a first tank 12 containing fresh water used in the cleaning step; a hydraulic circuit 20; a pump 13 that draws fresh water from the first tank 12 and pushes it along the hydraulic circuit 20 at a predetermined pressure. The pressure of the water introduced into the hydraulic circuit 20 can be regulated by the pump 13.

The machine 10 also includes a second tank 14 that contains a cleaning agent as a chemical product.

The second tank 14 is preferably a concentrated liquid detergent tank. In this case, the second tank 14 preferably includes a closure cap suitably modified with fittings and plumbing to draw detergent from the bottom of the second tank 14 and make it available to the machine 10.

Preferably, the second tank 14, which is connected to the machine 10 by a special conduit, is placed on the machine 10, even more preferably on a stable support surface of the machine 10. This embodiment is preferred because it advantageously allows for quick replacement of the second tank 14 when the cleaning agent is exhausted without transferring chemical product from a new product tank to the second tank 14 of cleaning agent of the machine 10. The cleaner tank 14 is mounted within the body 19 of the machine 10, wherein the cleaner tank 14 is detachably mounted to the body 19 for easy replacement. With this system for replacing the second tank 14 it is advantageously achieved that the chemical product used is not contaminated by external agents (e.g. mixed with other products).

The hydraulic circuit 20 comprises two separate branches, namely a first branch 21 and a second branch 22, and a first T-fitting 31 for enabling water under pressure to be supplied to the first branch 21 and the second branch 22.

The first branch 21 connected to the first fitting 31 is the branch into which pressurized water flows, which enters a component of the machine 10 called the detergent sprayer 15.

The first tee fitting 31 is a three-way hydraulic fitting comprising an inlet 311 in flow communication with the pump 13, a first outlet 321 connected in flow communication with the first branch 21, and a second outlet 322 connected in flow communication with the second branch 22.

Preferably, the detergent sprayer 15 is a venturi effect sprayer, as particularly shown in fig. 1 and 2.

The detergent sprayer 15 includes a first inlet 151, a second inlet 152, an outlet 153, and a chamber 158 in flow communication with one another.

The cleaning agent injector 15 is mounted in flow communication with the first branch 21.

The first inlet 151 is connected in flow communication with the first outlet 321 of the first three-way hydraulic connection 31 and the second inlet 152 is connected in flow communication with the detergent tank 14 containing detergent.

The mixing chamber 158 is in flow communication with the first inlet 151, the second inlet 152 and the outlet 153 of the detergent sprayer 15, wherein the mixing chamber 158 is adapted to mix water with detergent.

The chamber 158 has a smaller cross section than the inlet 151 and the outlet 153 so that the flow rate from the first inlet 151 to the outlet 153 is faster and suction is generated by venturi effect on the detergent flowing in from the second inlet 152. As shown in fig. 2, the dimensions of the first inlet 151 and the outlet 153 are gradually changed until the size of the chamber 158 is reached.

In addition, the second inlet 152 has a smaller cross section than the first inlet 151 and the outlet 153 in order to use the suction force of the venturi effect.

The ejector 15 receives water at a suitable pressure (which is also dependent on the pump 13) at its first inlet 151, capable of creating a vacuum in its second inlet 152. The conduit 45 is connected to the second inlet 152, the conduit 45 being associated with the second detergent tank 14. Thus, the cleaning agent is sucked from the second tank 14 toward the ejector 15 due to the venturi effect of the vacuum generated in the second inlet 152. The water entering from the first inlet 151 of the eductor 15 and the cleaning agent entering from the second inlet 152 mix within the chamber 158 of the eductor 15 to produce a liquid mixture of water and cleaning agent exiting from the outlet 153 of the eductor 15.

Even more preferably, the optimal concentration of the cleaning agent in the mixture is achieved by means of a component 42 of the circuit 20, the component 42 being inserted in a connecting duct 45 between the ejector 15 and the second tank 14. The component 42 is mounted upstream of the second inlet 152 of the cleaning agent injector 15.

This member 42 creates a local restriction in the conduit 45 to prevent excessive detergent from being sucked from the second tank 14 and thus regulate the amount of detergent sucked by the ejector 15. In essence, the member 42 forms a restriction for regulating the flow of cleaning agent to the second inlet 152 of the cleaning agent injector 15.

By appropriately sizing the channel diameter of the narrowed portion of the member 42, a desired concentration can be achieved. Preferably, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning mixture is 3-5% by volume.

By varying the size of the narrowed portion of member 42 at will, machines 10 can be used having a variety of cleaner concentrations, which may also depend on the type of cleaner used.

The water flow through the ejector 15 is ensured by sizing the pump 13 and the circuit 20.

Preferably, when the ejector 15 is a venturi effect ejector, advantageously, a low pressure is generated at the second inlet 152 only when the water flowing through the second inlet 152 flows in the correct direction and with a predetermined minimum flow rate.

Furthermore, in order to prevent the detergent from entering the circuit 20 even in the event of insufficient water flow in the first branch 21 of the circuit 20, means 155 are preferably added at the second inlet 152 of the ejector 15, which prevent the detergent from entering the mixing chamber 158 when there is insufficient low pressure, for example when the pump 13 is turned off.

The means 155 is preferably a one-way means, as shown in fig. 2, in which the ball 154 is pressed against the washer 157 by the spring 156, thereby closing off the channel portion of the second inlet 152 and preventing detergent from entering the chamber 158 of the injector 15. The ball 154 is mounted with a spring 156 or spring element and is adapted to move from a closed position, in which the ball 154 abuts the washer 157 to prevent detergent from entering the chamber 158 from the tank 14, to an open position, in which detergent is allowed to enter the chamber 158 of the detergent sprayer 15. When the low pressure generated by the sprayer 15 at the second inlet 152 is greater than a predetermined minimum threshold value based on the elastic constant of the spring 156, the low pressure overcomes the elastic force of the spring 156 and the ball 154 moves, allowing the detergent to flow from the second tank 14 to the chamber 158 of the sprayer 15.

At the outlet 153 of the eductor 15, the solution enters the second unidirectional device 16 and then enters the first inlet 326 of the second mixing tee 32 of the circuit 20. The outlet 153 of the cleaning agent injector 15 is mounted in flow communication with the unidirectional device 16, and the unidirectional device 16 is in turn mounted in flow communication with the first inlet 326 of the second three-way fitting 32.

The compressor 11 is used to generate the compressed air required for foam generation and atomization. The outlet of the compressor 11 enters the third T-fitting 33 of the circuit 20, which allows compressed air to be supplied to the two other branches 23, 24 of the circuit 20: a third leg 23 and a fourth leg 24. The first pressure regulator 41 is arranged along the third branch 23 to stabilize the air pressure so that the pressure is constant during the foaming step of the machine 10.

The conditioned compressed air enters the third unidirectional device 17 and then enters the second inlet 327 of the second mixing tee fitting 32.

The machine 10 includes a third one-way device 17 mounted in flow communication with a first outlet 337 of the third three-way fitting 33 and a second inlet 327 of the second three-way fitting 32.

The second mixing tee 32 is a three-way fitting that includes an inner chamber (not shown) that pressure mixes the detergent solution and compressed air and produces detergent foam with optimal density at the outlet 328 of the second mixing tee 32. The density of the foam depends on the chemical product, i.e. the cleaning agent, which must be adapted to its use, and on the pressure of the mixture and the compressed air, which pressure is set to an optimal value at the time of manufacturing the machine.

The second three-way fitting 32 includes a first inlet 326 mounted in flow communication with the outlet 153 of the detergent sprayer 15, a second inlet 327 mounted in flow communication with the third leg 23, an outlet 328 mounted downstream, and a mixing chamber in flow communication with the first inlet 326, the second inlet 327, and the outlet 328 of the second three-way fitting 32.

Pressurized foam enters the first inlet 341 of the hydraulic diverter 34. The hydraulic diverter 34 is a fourth three-way fitting comprising a diverter that is a lever 344 or a tap or technical equivalent.

The hydraulic diverter 34 is basically a three-way tap that selectively connects the outlet 343 with either the first inlet 341 or the second inlet 342.

The hydraulic diverter 34 of the machine 10 has a first inlet 341 connected to the outlet 328 of the second hybrid tee 32 and a second inlet 342 connected to the second branch 22 of the circuit 20.

Pressurized detergent foam may be supplied to the outlet 343 by turning the lever 344 of the hydraulic diverter 34 to select the first inlet 341. The outlet 343 is provided in direct communication with the outlet 53 of the machine 10, the outlet 53 being connected to the cleaning accessory by a hose of suitable length.

These hoses can be removed from the machine 10 by special fittings inserted near the outlet 53 of the machine 10.

The second branch 22 connected to the first T-fitting 31 is a hydraulic circuit connecting the pump 13 and the inlet 342 of the diverter 34. Only fresh water is flowing in the second branch 22 so that when the lever 344 of the diverter 34 is rotated to place the outlet 343 in communication with the second inlet 342, the machine 10 can only eject fresh water for surface flushing. This is conveniently done after the cleaning action of the foam.

By advantageously rotating only the lever 344 of the diverter 34, the machine 10 immediately switches between foam injection and flushing operations.

By the above-described switching, the same cleaning gun 50 of the machine 10 can be used for foaming and flushing, and the switching is very simple.

The cleaning gun 50 is typically a foam and rinse water dispenser.

It is noted that the hydraulic diverter 34 is a three-way hydraulic tee similar to the first hydraulic tee 31, but unlike the first hydraulic tee 31, the hydraulic diverter 34 is fitted with a lever 344 or tap or technical equivalent to alternately divert foam or water to a first outlet 53 of the machine 10 connected in flow communication with a cleaning gun 50 of the machine 10.

The fourth branch 24 connected to the third T-fitting 33 comprises a duct 46 allowing compressed air to reach the second outlet 54 of the machine 10.

The fourth branch 24 of the circuit 20 preferably comprises a valve 35 able to intercept the passage of compressed air. When valve 35 is open, the compressed air may reach second outlet 54 of machine 10.

More generally, the valve 35 is mounted in flow communication with the fourth branch 24 and is adapted to switch from an open configuration, in which compressed air is allowed to pass, to a closed position, in which compressed air in the fourth branch 24 is blocked.

The second outlet 54 of the machine 10 is adapted to receive a second dispenser 60, the second dispenser 60 being adapted to atomize the sterilizing product by compressed air from the fourth branch 24.

Preferably, a second pressure regulator 43 for compressed air is also inserted along the junction of the third T-fitting 33 with the second outlet 54, to limit the pressure value of the air at the outlet.

A distributor 60 of a mixture of air and sterilizing product is connected to the second outlet 54 of the machine 10 by means of a connecting duct of suitable length. Such tubing may be removed from machine 10 by a special coupling inserted near second outlet 54.

The foam and flush water dispenser 50 is detachably mounted in flow communication with a first outlet 53 of the machine and is preferably a manual spray gun that includes a lever that allows a user to dispense or stop dispensing.

The foam and rinse water dispenser 50 includes a nozzle (not shown) having a cross-sectional size suitable for dispensing foam or rinse water at a fixed or variable spray angle by directing it to the surface to be treated with a generally vaned jet.

The inlet of spray gun 50 is detachably connected to first outlet 53 of machine 10 by a connecting conduit that allows foam or liquid to pass through, depending on the selection made on machine 10 by diverters 344, 364.

The second dispenser 60 is adapted to atomize the sterilizing product by compressed air from the fourth branch 24.

Preferably, the machine 10 includes a dispenser 60 for atomizing a mixture of air and sanitizing product, which is detachably mounted to the second outlet 54 of the machine.

The second distributor 60 is connected to the source of compressed air 11 supplied by the machine 10 through a second outlet 54 of the machine by a sufficiently long connecting duct 61. The conduit 61 may also comprise a plurality of conduits, which may be several centimeters in length in the case of a second dispenser 60 detachably mounted to the body 19 of the machine 10, or several meters in length in the case of working at a distance from the body 19 of the machine 10.

As shown in fig. 6, a second dispenser 60 is connected in flow communication with a third tank 62 of sterilizing liquid to be atomized and ready for use, the second dispenser 60 being atomized by mixing the sterilizing product with compressed air from the second outlet 54 of the machine 10. It should be noted that this liquid form of disinfectant is typically different from the liquid used for cleaning by foaming, and therefore the third tank 62 is advantageously provided separately from the second cleaner tank 14.

The second dispenser 60 comprises an atomizing nozzle 63 from which a mixture of air and sanitizing chemical is discharged, atomized into fine particles by the action of compressed air capable of breaking up the particles into very small droplets.

The size of the individual liquid particles in the mixture of liquid and compressed air exiting the dispensing nozzle 63 of the dispenser 60 depends on the type of atomizing nozzle 63. Particles having a diameter of, for example, about 50 to 100 microns, so-called fine atomization, or particles having a diameter of about 5 to 7 microns, so-called very fine atomization, may be present. The smaller the particles, the better the atomization of the disinfectant product.

Spraying particles on the order of 50-100 microns can apply a thin layer of disinfectant chemical to the horizontal or vertical surfaces to be treated, thereby wetting these surfaces only slightly. After a few minutes, the disinfection effect is exerted, the liquid particles evaporate, and the room remains dry.

When a thinner layer is to be applied to the surface, atomization of particles on the order of 5-7 microns may be used. Such particle sizes can also easily saturate closed rooms by delivering a gaseous mixture into the room, thereby giving the appearance of a "dry fog". This can reach all surfaces and fill all space in the room. By dispensing a sufficient amount of product, the enclosed room can be completely filled. The dry mist remains suspended and does not fall to the floor or wet the surface. So that it remains functional for the time required for effective disinfection.

Alternatively, the third tank 62 of sterilizing product may be rigidly connected to the dispenser, as shown in fig. 7.

Alternatively, third tank 62 may be mounted with body 19 of machine 10 as shown in FIG. 8. When the third tank 62 is received on the body 19 of the machine 10, a conduit 64 of appropriate length is then used to connect the third tank 62 with the second dispenser 60. In the case of a particularly long conduit 64, the third tank 62 is provided with an additional pump 65 to push the sterilizing liquid along the conduit 64 with sufficient pressure, whereby the pump 65 is connected in flow communication with the second dispenser 60.

Alternatively, the same pump 12 may be used instead of the additional pump 65, for example by connecting the inlet of the pump 12 such that it draws in disinfectant.

Alternatively, the disinfectant may be loaded into the cleaner tank 14 instead of the cleaner, so that only the pump 12 may be used instead of the additional pump 65.

Preferably, the second dispenser 60 operates by a venturi effect in which the conduit 61 from the machine 10 brings compressed air to the air inlet 610 of the second dispenser 60. As the compressed air passes through the dispenser, a low pressure is created at the liquid inlet 662 by the venturi effect.

As shown in fig. 7, the second dispenser 60 may be directly mounted on the cover of the third tank 62, with the liquid inlet 662 directed to the interior of the third tank 62, so that the low pressure causes liquid to be sucked through the small tube 66 placed in the third tank 62. In this way, the sucked-in liquid product is mixed with the compressed air and the mixture is discharged from the nozzle 63 at a high speed, being released into the surrounding environment as small water droplets.

Alternatively, the liquid entering the second dispenser 60 is not due to a venturi effect, but rather because the sanitizing liquid is under pressure near the mixing point with the compressed air.

Alternatively, in the case where the third tank 62 is rigidly connected to the second dispenser 60, the third tank 62 may be pressurized using the same compressed air as that used for atomization.

The second dispenser 60 may be in the form of a pistol including a handle and a valve adapted to control or interrupt the injection. In this case, the user can easily move around the room to be sterilised, hold the spray gun and dispense the atomised sterilised product directly onto the surface to be sterilised. The valve may intercept a passage of liquid, a passage of air, or both. In this case, a sufficiently long connecting pipe should be used to connect the gun to the machine 10 so that the user can easily move in the space to be treated.

Alternatively, the second dispenser 60 may take the form of a device that is placed on a surface. The support surface may be the machine 10 itself, or a floor or table. The second dispenser 60 allows it to be placed in a room and to function in the same room by dispensing the atomized sanitizing product into the air even in the absence of an operator. The operation and interruption of the dispensing is controlled by the user through valve 35.

The valve 35 may be mounted near the second outlet 54 of the machine 10, or near the second dispenser 60, or two valves 35 may be mounted, one near the second outlet 54 of the machine 10 and the other near the second dispenser 60.

The machine 10 may advantageously be kept outside the treatment room, while inside the room to be cleaned only the second dispenser 60 may be placed, the second dispenser 60 resting on a surface and being connected to the machine 10 by means of a suitably long pipe. After the second dispenser 60 is stably placed in the room, the user may leave the room and remain outside during dispensing. For example, the second dispenser 60 may be in the form of that shown in FIG. 7.

The machine 10 according to the invention advantageously uses a single device to perform both the functions of foam cleaning and rinsing with the first dispenser 50 and of spraying the sanitizing chemical product very easily through the second dispenser 60, by simply requiring a simple switching of the turning diverters 344, 364.

Alternatively, the member 42 may be provided with an adjustable element to adjust the channel diameter of the conduit 45, so that the narrowed portion of the member 42 may be adjusted.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, it is conceivable that the machine 10 does not comprise a first tank 12 containing fresh water, but that the machine 10 is connected to a water mains, and that the pump 13 draws fresh water from the water mains and pushes the fresh water along the hydraulic circuit 20 at a suitable pressure. According to this alternative, the pump 13 receives water directly from the water mains. In this case, the connection to the mains is made by means of pipes and release fittings, allowing the machine to be connected to the mains before use and disconnected before storage. This alternative is advantageously versatile in an environment connectable to a water supply network, such as toilets and shower stalls in camps, swimming pools, gymnasiums and sports centres.

Alternatively, a second pressure regulator 54 is placed downstream of the second outlet 54 of the machine, for example mounted with an air and disinfectant mixture dispenser 60.

Alternatively, machine 10 may also include other components, such as a compressed air storage tank (not shown). Even more advantageously, this further alternative envisages that the machine 10 also comprises a pressure switch (not shown in the figures) to regulate the pressure inside the compressed air storage tank. The compressed air storage tank advantageously supplies a store of compressed air for the machine 10, so that it is not necessary to switch the compressor 11 on and off each time compressed air has to be delivered.

Still alternatively, as shown in fig. 3, the hybrid circuit 20 is fitted with a hydraulic diverter 36 instead of the first T-fitting 31 of fig. 1, and a fourth T-fitting 37 instead of the hydraulic diverter 34 of fig. 1. Hydraulic diverter 36 is a three-way hydraulic fitting that includes lever 364 or a tap or diverter or technical equivalent to divert foam or water flow to first outlet 53 of machine 10. Diverter 36 includes an inlet 311 in flow communication with pump 13; a first outlet 321 connected in flow communication with the first leg 21; and a second outlet 322 connected in flow communication with the second leg 22. This exchange keeps the operation of the circuit 20 of the machine unchanged, in fact, by turning the lever 364 on the deflector 36, it is possible to switch immediately between the foaming step and the flushing step of the machine 10. In essence, machine 10 may be configured such that first three-way fitting 31, 36 includes diverter 364 adapted to divert foam or water flow to first outlet 53 of machine 10, or fourth three-way fitting 34, 37 includes diverter 344 adapted to divert foam or water flow to first outlet 53 of machine 10.

More generally, the fourth three-way fitting 34, 37 includes a first inlet 341 connected in flow communication with the outlet 328 of the second three-way fitting 32, a second inlet 342 connected with the second outlet 322 of the first three-way fitting 31, and an outlet 343 connected with the first outlet 53 of the machine 10.

More generally, the diverter 344, 364 is mounted with at least one three-way fitting selected from the first three-way fitting 31, 36 and the fourth three-way fitting 34, 37, wherein the diverter 344, 364 directs foam from the first leg 21 or water from the second leg 22 to the first outlet 53 of the machine 10.

Alternatively, a plurality of air compressors 11 may be installed instead of a single air compressor 11 to reach the predetermined pressure.

Alternatively, the second cleaner tank 14 may not be part of the machine 10, but rather be mounted externally of the body 19 of the machine 10.

Alternatively, the cross-sectional dimension of the chamber 158 of the eductor 15 may be the same as or greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the cleaner inlet 152 because the cross-sectional dimension of the chamber 158 is less than the cross-sectional dimensions of the inlet 151 and outlet 153 to achieve a telescoping conduit.

Alternatively, the cross-sections of the first inlet 151 and the second inlet 152 of the ejector 15 may be the same.

Still alternatively, at least one pressure regulator 41, 43 is mounted with the third branch and in flow communication between the second three-way fitting 32 and the third three-way fitting 33, and/or in flow communication with the fourth branch between the third three-way fitting 33 and the second outlet 54.

Preferably, the pressure regulator 41 is mounted with the third branch 23.

Alternatively, machine 10 may include other components that may be used in different versions thereof, such as additional one-way filters and water filters, where the filters may be disposed at the inlet of pump 13.

Alternatively, the check valve 16 may be installed upstream of the detergent sprayer 15.

Alternatively, and even more advantageously, as shown in fig. 5, the machine 10 includes a liquid suction function. In this alternative, machine 10 includes a recovery tank 71 adapted to contain dirty liquid, a suction motor 72 adapted to suck the liquid into recovery tank 71, and a suction tube 73 in fluid communication with suction motor 72 to recover the dirty liquid from the cleaned and disinfected surface.

Alternatively, two taps (not shown in the figures) may be inserted instead of the at least one diverter 344, 364, which may close or open the branches 21, 22 on which they are mounted. For example, a first tap may be inserted on the first branch 21 and/or a second tap may be introduced on the second branch 22, so as to be able to select whether the foam or atomized product flows out of the first outlet 53 of the machine 10.

More generally, it may be provided to insert at least one flow selector, which may be at least one diverter 344, 364 or may be at least one tap as described above.

Alternatively, the third three-way fitting 33 may not be inserted into the machine 10 nor the fourth branch 24. In this case, the atomization can be performed by replacing the first distributor 50 with the second distributor 60, turning off the pump 13 while keeping the compressor 11 on, so that only the compressed air reaches the outlet 53 after the residual liquid in the pipe of the circuit 20 is removed, thereby allowing the second distributor 60 to perform the atomization

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the same inventive concept. In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions thereof, may be of any type, according to the technical requirements.

Claims (20)

1. A machine (10) for cleaning and sanitizing comprising:

a hydraulic circuit (20) comprising a first branch (21), a second branch (22) and a third branch (23);

a pump (13) that introduces water into the hydraulic circuit (20) at a predetermined pressure;

a first three-way hydraulic fitting (31, 36) comprising an inlet (311) in flow communication with the pump (13), a first outlet (321) connected in flow communication with the first branch (21), and a second outlet (322) connected in flow communication with the second branch (22);

a detergent sprayer (15) introducing detergent into the first branch (21) of the hydraulic circuit (20), wherein the detergent sprayer (15) is mounted in flow communication with the first branch (21), wherein the detergent sprayer (15) comprises a first inlet (151) connected in flow communication with the first outlet (321) of the first three-way hydraulic fitting (31, 36), a second inlet (152) connected in flow communication with a detergent tank (14) comprising the detergent, an outlet (153), a mixing chamber (158) in flow communication with the first inlet (151), the second inlet (152), the outlet (153) of the detergent sprayer (15), wherein the mixing chamber (158) is adapted to mix the water and the detergent;

a second three-way fitting (32) comprising a first inlet (326) mounted in flow communication with the outlet (153) of the detergent sprayer (15), a second inlet (327) mounted in flow communication with the third branch (23), an outlet (328), a mixing chamber in flow communication with the first inlet (326), the second inlet (327) and the outlet (328) of the second three-way fitting (32);

-at least one air compressor (11) in flow communication with said third branch (23);

a fourth three-way fitting (34, 37) comprising a first inlet (341) connected in flow communication with the outlet (328) of the second three-way fitting (32), a second inlet (342) connected with the second outlet (322) of the first three-way fitting (31, 36), an outlet (343) connected to a first outlet (53) of the machine (10);

wherein the first outlet (53) of the machine (10) is adapted to mount a foam or rinse water dispenser (50), the dispenser (50) being adapted to discharge foam from the first branch (21) or water from the second branch (22);

-a flow selector (344, 364) adapted to divert foam from the first branch (21) or water from the second branch (22) towards the first outlet (53) of the machine (10).

2. The machine (10) of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic circuit (20) includes a fourth branch (24);

a third three-way fitting (33) comprising a first inlet (331) connected in flow communication with the at least one air compressor (11), a first outlet (337) connected in flow communication with the third branch (23) and the second inlet (327) of the second three-way fitting (32), a second outlet (334) connected with the fourth branch (24);

-a second outlet (54) of the machine, adapted to mount a second dispenser (60), the second dispenser (60) being adapted to atomize a sterilizing product by means of compressed air from the fourth branch (24);

a valve (35) mounted in flow communication with the fourth branch (24), the valve (35) being adapted to switch from an open configuration, in which compressed air is allowed to pass, to a closed position, in which the compressed air in the fourth branch (24) is blocked.

3. The machine (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the flow selectors is at least one diverter (344, 364), the diverter (344, 364) being mounted with at least one of the three-way fittings selected from the group consisting of: the first (31, 36) and fourth (34, 37) tee fittings, wherein the diverter (344, 364) diverts foam from the first branch (21) or water from the second branch (22) to the first outlet (53) of the appliance (10).

4. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first tank (12) connected to the pump (13), wherein the pump (13) draws water from the first tank (12).

5. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the detergent tank (14) in a body (19) of the machine (10), wherein the detergent tank (14) is detachably mountable with the body (19).

6. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent sprayer (15) is a venturi effect sprayer.

7. The machine (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a component (42) is mounted upstream of the second inlet (152) of the detergent sprayer (15), the component (42) forming a restriction for regulating the flow of detergent directly to the second inlet (152) of the detergent sprayer (15).

8. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second inlet (152) of the detergent sprayer (15) is fitted with means (155) adapted to prevent detergent from entering the mixing chamber (158) when there is not a sufficient low pressure.

9. The machine (10) of claim 8, wherein the means (155) comprise a ball (154) fitted with a resilient element (156), the ball (154) being adapted to move from a closed position against the gasket (157) to an open position.

10. The machine (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (153) of the detergent sprayer (15) is mounted in flow communication with a unidirectional element (16), the unidirectional element (16) in turn being mounted in flow communication with the first inlet (326) of the second three-way fitting (32).

11. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third unidirectional element (17), said third unidirectional element (17) being mounted in flow communication with said first outlet (337) of said third tee fitting (33) and said second inlet (327) of said second tee fitting (32).

12. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first three-way fitting (31, 36) comprises a diverter (364) adapted to divert foam or water flow towards the first outlet (53) of the machine (10).

13. The machine (10) of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the fourth three-way connection (34, 37) comprises a diverter (344) adapted to divert foam or water flow toward the first outlet (53) of the machine (10).

14. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pressure regulator (41, 43), said at least one pressure regulator (41, 43) being mounted in flow communication with said third branch (23).

15. The machine (10) according to any one of claims 2-14, characterized in that it comprises at least one pressure regulator (41, 43), said at least one pressure regulator (41, 43) being mounted in said fourth branch (24).

16. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an accumulation tank of compressed air.

17. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a recovery tank (71) adapted to contain dirty liquid, a suction motor (72) adapted to suck said liquid to said recovery tank (71), a suction tube (73) in fluid communication with said suction motor (72) to recover dirty liquid from the cleaned and disinfected surface.

18. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the foam or rinse water dispenser (50), the foam or rinse water dispenser (50) being detachably mounted in flow communication with the first outlet (53) of the machine (10), wherein the foam or rinse water dispenser (50) comprises a nozzle.

19. The machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the second dispenser (60), the second dispenser (60) being detachably mounted with the second outlet (54) of the machine (10), wherein the second dispenser (60) is connected in flow communication with a third tank (62) of sterilizing liquid to be atomized.

20. The machine (10) of claim 16, wherein the third tank (62) is connected to a pump (13, 65) of the machine (10).